Every year, millions of women are diagnosed with cervical, ovarian, or breast cancer. However, early detection can enable you to get treated before cancer spreads and becomes incurable. Dr. Anita Veerabhadrappa-Meiner in Boca Raton conducts gynecological examinations on women and advises on the best treatment options.
Getting ready for a gynecological examination
Before a gynecological examination, the doctor asks you about any symptoms you may be experiencing, the frequency and duration of your menstruation period, and the contraception method you are using.
You also disclose any history of cancer in your family, such as colon, breast, and uterine, and whether there have been previous interventions.
The actual examination may be uncomfortable since it involves evaluating the intimate parts of the body. However, it is necessary to diagnose any problem and recommend treatment.
The doctor starts by paying close attention to certain changes such as inflammation, malformations, abnormal discharge, and growth. Then a palpation examination is done to assess the uterus for any irregularities. The doctor examines your genital area to determine if there is an infection, and a sample is taken to the lab for testing.
Cervical cancer screening
First, your doctor conducts a cervical swab and urine test to determine whether you have chlamydia. To detect malignant or cervical cancer, the doctor does a Pap smear test by scraping the walls of the cervix. The cells obtained are observed in the lab to look for any abnormality.
Pap smear tests for early cancer detection have reduced the mortality rate for women. Additionally, there is a vaccination available that will help protect against the Human Papillomaviruses that cause cervical cancer.
Complications of cancer screening
The Pap smear may not be 100% accurate and sometimes the findings may not be conclusive. Therefore, a vaginal specimen or colposcopy may be necessary to make a proper diagnosis. It involves removing tissue from the uterine canal and testing in a laboratory.
If the results are positive, the abnormal tissue may be removed through a laser procedure. Conization has a high risk when done on younger women as it is associated with premature birth.
However, your doctor will discuss with you surgical interventions as an approach to treating cervical cancer.
Breast cancer examination
After the cervical cancer screen, the doctor examines the breasts for early detection of cancer.
The size and shape of your breasts are examined for any change or abnormality. Your doctor checks for skin contraction, swelling, and inflammation. The orange peel effect or cellulite is the first sign of malignant growth in your breast.
The specialist palpates your breasts by running circular motions, stroking and pressing the nipples to see if there is any discharge. Then, the armpits are examined for abnormal lymph nodes.
If there are no complications of breast cancer screening and you will be advised to regularly have an examination at home and report any abnormalities or changes.
Your doctor orders a mammogram and a biopsy after detecting any abnormality or growth in the breast. Subsequent treatment options include the removal of the tumor, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or mastectomy.
Every woman should have an annual test for early cancer detection. Book an appointment at MyDoc Women’s Health Specialists for a comprehensive examination.